Power-wheel



(N0 Model.) 2 SheMzs-Sneet 1.

A M. BROWN.

POWER WHEEL.

No. 544,636. Patented Aug. 13,1895.

INVENTOR H, M {3H0 W/V.

ATIORNEY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

A. M. BROWN.

7 POWER WHEEL.

Patented Aug. 13

INVENTOR M BRO W/V ATTORNEY 7 UNITED STATES 1 PATENT OFFICE.

ALLEN M. BROWN, OF GQODLAND, KANSAS.

POWER-WH EE'L.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 544,636, dated August 13, 1895.

Application filed May 21, 1894- Serinl No. 12,032 (No model.)

Wheels; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear,-and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanylng drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in power-wheels adapted for use on bicycles, tricycles, all other velocipedes, and vehicles generally.

My improved wheel consists of the construction hereinafter described and claimed, all of which will be fully understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which is illustrated an embodiment thereof.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of the wheel, one side of the casing inclosing the power mechanism being removed. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view, the axle being shown in section and the clutch removed to show the construction of the pinion. Fig. 3 is a section taken on the line mm, Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a section taken through the ratchet-pinion, which is shown on a larger scale. This section is takenon theline y y, Fig. 3. Fig. 5

' is a side elevation showing the outside of the in dotted lines.

opposite side from that on which Fig.1 is

Wheel, the spring-actuated gears bein g shown Thisview i s:taken on the taken. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary section taken through the'hub of the wheel and the adjacent parts, the scale being enlarged.

Similar reference-characters indicate corresponding parts or elements of the mechanism in the several views.

Let the numeral 5 designate the axle of the wheel, to which are made fast the collars 6, separated by lugs 7, which are preferably formed integral with'one'of the collars. Between the lugs 7 are located gravity-pawls or dogs 8. Each ofv these dogs has a hooked extremity 8, which dips into a recess 5 formed in the axle. The pawls are thus held-in place and permitted the necessary oscillating movement in the performance of their function.

About the axle and between .the collars 6is located the pinion 9, having the interior ratchet-face 9 The pawls 8 engage this ratchet-face'and lock the pinion from movement on the axle in one direction, while it is permitted to move freely in the opposite direction. The periphery of the pinion 9 is cogged to engage the cogged faces of the surrounding gears 10, which are inclosed by a casing 12. The gears are mounted on spindles 13, journaled in the casing.

' As shown in the drawings, two steel springs are wound around-each spindle 13, a spring being located on each side-of the gear 10. One extremity of each spring '14 is attached to the spindle of the gear. The opposite extremities of these springs are made fast to the gears.

The casing 12 is fixed to the hub 12 of the wheel and connected with the rim 15 by means of spokes 16, whose inner extremities are attached to the periphery of the casing. While this is the construction shown "in the drawings, I do not limit myself thereto, since any other suitable construction of wheelframework may be employed.

The springs 14 are placed under tension by turning the spindle of thegear. One extremity of each spindle is. adapted to receive a wrench and protrudes from the casing, whereby the wrench may be applied, the spindle rotated, and the springs wound up from the outside of the casing. The opposite extremity of each spindle also projects from the easing and carries a ratchet-disk 13, engaged by a spring-actuated locking-dog 17, pivoted on the outside of the casing. The function of this dog and ratchet is to preventthe reverse movement of the spindle while winding up 10 are wound, this clutch 18, which is located As shown in the drawing s,three outside of the casing, is moved to engagement with the pinion, which is provided with apertures 9, adapted to receive the clutcharmslS, which also pass through coinciding apertures formed in one side of the casing 12. The clutch, when in this position, locks the pinion to the wheel and prevents the reverse movement of the gears and the unwinding of the springs.

While the clutch 18 engages the pinion!) the mechanism has only the function of the ordinary wheel. When, however, it. is desirable or necessary to utilize the power stored in the springs 14,the clutch 18 is moved outward on the axle away from the pinion. 'As soon as the pinion is released from its locking-clutch, the gears are actuated by the recoiling springs, the movement being the reverse of that indicated by arrows at. Hence the tendency of the gears is to actuate the pinion in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 4, but, as heretofore explained, the pinion is locked frommovement in this direction by the gravity-pawls 8. Hence during the movement of the spring-actuated gears the pinion .has no movement, being practically fast on I the axle.

As the pinion cannot move, the engaging gears must move or run around the pinion, so to speak. Hence the wheel will move on its axle in the direction indicated by arrow CL in Fig. 1, and the power stored in the wheel by the winding of the springs is utilized to drive the velocipede or other vehicle to which the wheel is attached.

If the wheel is used on a bicycle, the chain may pass from the sprocket on the pedal-shaftaround a sprocket 19, fast on the hub of the wheel. The machine may be propelled in the usual way when the clutch engages the pinion 9, When, however, it isdesired to use the power stored in the wheel, as while climbing a hill or mountain, the clutch is disengaged from the pinion and the wheel becomes selfpropelling.

It must be understood that the axle 5 is fast in the framework of the vehicle or other machine of which the wheel forms a part, and is so considered in this specification.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. In a power Wheel, the combination with the axle and framework of the wheel, of the ratchet'pinion located about the axle, means attached to the axle for locking. the pinion against movement in one direction, springactuated gear mounted on a spindle located in the framework of the wheel and a clutch for locking said pinion to the framework of the wheel and meshing with the pinion, whereby the power of the gear may be utilized to rotate the wheel, substantially as described.

2. In a power wheel, the combination with the axle and wheel framework, of the ratchet pinion engaging the axle,-pawls attached to the axle and locking the pinion against movement in one direction, a plurality of springmeshing with the pinion, and a sliding clutch for locking the pinion to the framework of the wheel, substantially as described.

4. In a power wheel, the combination with the axle and wheel framework, of the ratchet pinion, the gravity pawls attached to the axle and engaging the ratchet face of the pinion, the spring-actuated gears mounted on spindles journaled in the framework of the wheel, and a sliding clutch adapted to lock the pinion to the wheel, substantially as described.

5. In a power wheel, the combination with the axle and wheel framework, of the ratchet pinion, the gravity pawls engaging the interior ratchet face of the pinion, the collars attached to the axle on either side of the pinion and concealing the pawls, the spindles journaled in the framework of the wheel, the gears mounted on the spindles and meshing with the pinion, the springs attached to the spindles at one extremity, and to the wheel at the opposite extremity, ratchet disks at 3 tached to the spindles, locking dogs pivoted I on the framework and adapted to engage said disks, and a locking clutch mounted on the axle and adapted to lock the pinion to the wheel, substantially as described.

6. In apower wheel, the combination with the axle and framework, of the pinion located about the axle and provided with an interior ratchet face surrounding the axle, gravity pawls attached to the axle and engaging the interior ratchet face of the pinion, whereby the latter is locked against movement in one direction, and a spring-actuated gear mounted on a spindle located in the framework of the wheel and meshing with the pinion, whereby the power of the gear may be utilized to rotate the wheel, substantially as described.

7. In a power wheel, the combination with the axle and framework, of the pinion located about the axle and provided with an interior ratchet face, gravity pawls attached to the axle and engaging saidfaoe of the pinion, whereby the latter is locked against movement in one direction, a spring-actuated gear mounted on a spindle located in the frame work of the wheel and meshing with the pinion, whereby the power of the gear may be IIC utiliz-ed to rotate the wheel, and means for locking the pinion to the framework of the wheel, substantially as described.

8. In a power wheel, the combination with the axle and framework, of the pinion located about the axle and provided with an interior ratchet face surrounding the axle, gravity pawls attached to the axle and engaging said ratchet face of the pinion whereby the latter is locked against movement in one direction, a spring-actuated gear mounted on a spindle located in the framework of the wheel and meshing with the pinion, and a sliding clutch for locking the pinion to. the framework of the wheel, substantially as described.

9. In a power wheel, the combination with the axle and the framework, of the pinion locatedabout the axle and provided with an interior ratchet face surrounding the axle, loose gravity pawls suitably separated and having hooked extremities engaging recesses formed in the axle, said pawls being adapted to engage the interior ratchet face of the pinion and lock the latter against movementin one direction, and a spring-actuated gear mounted on a spindle located in the framea in the axle,'said 'pawls being adapted to engage the ,interior' ratchet face of the pinion and lock the latter against movement in one direction, two collars fast on the shaft, one

being located on each side of the pinion and concealing the pawls, and a spring-actuated gear mounted on a spindle located in the framework of the wheel and meshing with the pinion, substantially as described. 7

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in the 'presenceof two witnesses.

' ALLEN M. BROWN! IVitnesses: v

G. J. ROLLANDET, ABNER M. JAKWAY. 

